P16B ‘world-class’ resort, casino to rise in Subic Bay Freeport

Officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Subic International Hotel Corporation lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the planned $300 million (P16.6 billion) Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino inside the Subic Bay Freeport. | PHOTO: Joanna Rose Aglibot / PDI Baguio

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A pioneering hotel establishment in this freeport unveiled on Thursday the planned $300 million (P16.6 billion) convention resort and casino that is expected to boost the local hospitality industry.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño sand officials of Subic International Hotel Corporation (SIHC) announced the project during the groundbreaking ceremony for the “world-class” facility.

“We are all excited to see the realization of a magnificent architectural concept, which I am certain will steer the economic growth of the freeport to greater heights,” said Aliño.

ACCOR International Group is set to construct Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino Inc. in succeeding phases, encompassing an expansive six-hectare property that will feature an integrated resort casino complex and five-star resort hotels.

Ibis Styles and Mercure Hotels, which have been the signature of SIHC, will be the initial phase of the project. Ibis Styles is an economy hotel brand focused on in-style stays, while Mercure is a French midscale hotel brand. Both brands are owned by ACCOR International Group.

Sun Convention Resort and Casino Inc. chair and president Pablo Edgardo Puyat said the operations are anticipated to start by the end of 2025, after the $300-million investment commitment.

“Both the Ibis Styles Subic and Mercure Subic are in the company’s economy and midscale segments, respectively. Ibis Styles Subic is set to open in 2026 and is the first internationally branded hotel in Subic,” he said. INQ